Answer this question truthfully
### Question: What are the symptoms of Chronic cold urticaria?
### Response: Symptom onset often occurs when individuals with cold urticaria are exposed to cold water or sudden drops in temperature. While most reactions occur at temperatures 40° F or lower, many people often experience worse reactions as their exposed skin is rewarming. Cold urticaria is more likely to occur when conditions are damp and windy. Cold urticaria symptoms vary in intensity. While some individuals only experience very minor reactions to cold, other individuals experience severe reactions. There is no exact timeframe over which cold urticaria can be said to go away. For some people, it will go away on its own after several months; however, other people may experience cold urticaria for years before seeing an improvement.
Some signs and symptoms of cold urticaria include:
Hives that are red and itchy. These hives result from exposing the skin to cold and typically last for half an hour Swelling of the hands when holding cold objects Swelling of the lips when eating cold foods In severe cases, the tongue and throat may swelland inhibit breathing
While some symptoms may only affect certain parts of the body, other people may experience symptoms that affect their whole body. Some of the more serious signs and symptoms of cold urticaria include:
Fainting Chills A faster than normal heartbeat Swelling of the arms, legs or torso
Severe reactions Exposure to cold can be dangerous for people who suffer from cold urticaria. It is especially dangerous when individuals swim in cold water since swimming exposes all of the individual’s skin to the cold. When this level of exposure occurs, the body releases high levels of histamine and other immune system chemicals. As a result of the release of all these chemicals, the individual’s blood pressure can drop, which may result in fainting, shock, and rarely, death. Individuals who suffer from cold urticaria and who choose to swim in cold water may lose consciousness as a result of the cold, which may lead to drowning.